Matthew 1:20

Authorized King James Version

But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ταῦτα

G5023

these things

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

αὐτῇ

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐνθυμηθέντος

G1760

thought on

to be inspirited, i.e., ponder

ἰδού,

G2400

behold

used as imperative lo!

ἄγγελος

G32

the angel

compare g0034) (to bring tidings); a messenger; especially an "angel"; by implication, a pastor

Κυρίου

G2962

of the Lord

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

κατ'

G2596

(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)

ὄναρ

G3677

a dream

#10

ἐφάνη

G5316

appeared

to lighten (shine), i.e., show (transitive or intransitive, literal or figurative)

#11

αὐτῇ

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#12

λέγων,

G3004

saying

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

#13

Ἰωσὴφ

G2501

Joseph

joseph, the name of seven israelites

#14

υἱὸς

G5207

thou son

a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship

#15

Δαβίδ,

G1138

of David

david, the israelite king

#16

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

#17

φοβηθῇς

G5399

fear

to frighten, i.e., (passively) to be alarmed; by analogy, to be in awe of, i.e., revere

#18

παραλαβεῖν

G3880

to take

to receive near, i.e., associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or relation); by analogy, to assume an office; figuratively, to learn

#19

Μαριὰμ

G3137

Mary

maria or mariam (i.e., mirjam), the name of six christian females

#20

τὴν

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#21

γυναῖκά

G1135

thy wife

a woman; specially, a wife

#22

σου·

G4675

unto thee

of thee, thy

#23

τὸ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

#24

γὰρ

G1063

for

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

#25

ἐν

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

#26

αὐτῇ

G846

her

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

#27

γεννηθὲν

G1080

that which is conceived

to procreate (properly, of the father, but by extension of the mother); figuratively, to regenerate

#28

ἐκ

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

#29

Πνεύματός

G4151

Ghost

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

#30

ἐστιν

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

#31

ἁγίου

G40

the Holy

sacred (physically, pure, morally blameless or religious, ceremonially, consecrated)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine sovereignty contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within Roman imperial rule over Jewish Palestine with messianic expectations. The author writes to address Jewish Christians seeking to understand Jesus as Messiah, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine sovereignty address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding divine sovereignty in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

Related Resources

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Matthew 1:20

Analysis

Historical Context

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Topics

People

Study Resources